How to get a tax refund for computer accessories purchased on a visit to USA?

I am about to buy two Mac accessories in the Apple Store in Manhattan which cost a total of $98 before tax.

I would like to get a refund for the tax before I get back to Europe.

My question is what should I ask from the cashier in the Apple Store, and what should I do in the Newark/JFK airport.

I found a post on TripAdvisor, but it is a bit ambivalent.

Best Answer

To the best of my knowledge, New York State does not offer a refund of sales tax on purchases that are later taken outside the state or country. Except for the North Dakota and Louisiana programs mentioned in the link you give, I have never heard of such refunds existing anywhere in the U.S.

I think you just have to pay it.

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How do I get a refund of sales tax paid while visiting the US?

The United States Government does not refund sales tax to foreign visitors. Sales tax charged in the United States is paid to individual states, not the Federal government - the same way that Value Added Tax (VAT) is paid in many countries.

Can you claim tax back on USA purchases?

Afraid not - while some countries use the concept of Value Added Tax, in the US taxes on purchases are considered Sales Taxes and are not refundable. The only exceptions will be duty free stores in the airport terminal etc.

How do I get a Tourist VAT refund?

Tourists will receive their refunds through a special device placed at the departure port - airport, seaport, or border port - by submitting the tax invoices for their purchases from the outlets registered in the Scheme, along with copies of their passport and credit card.

How do I claim tax at the airport?

claim in person by showing your passport, boarding pass and original tax invoices to the TRS Facility on the day of your departure:

more than 30 minutes before your scheduled departure at an airport.

1-4 hours before your scheduled departure at a seaport.

Electronic Tourist Refund Tax Free

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